Marquage Leather Painting Workshop in Singapore

A plain leather accessory can become a personal keepsake with a few well-chosen strokes. In this two-hour workshop at Visual Arts Centre, you learn marquage, a way to paint designs onto leather and PVC leather, then apply the technique to one included accessory.

I like that you leave with both a finished item and a skill you can use on wallets, bags, or sneakers. I also like the monthly themes, which give each session a different creative direction. One consideration: the included accessory may be small, and the price can feel high if you’re expecting a large project or lots of practice time.

Key points before you book

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• One accessory is included: You paint a leather item provided for the session, with all necessary materials supplied.
• The paint is intended to last: Marquage is described as permanent on both PVC leather and genuine leather.
• It’s made for beginners: You don’t need prior art experience, though it’s sensible to ask for practice time before working on your accessory.
• You get two hours: That is enough for a focused project, but not a full leather-crafting course.
• Dhoby Ghaut MRT is close: The studio is about a one-minute walk from the station.
• The teaching tone may vary: Mikael has been praised for patient, friendly guidance, while one participant described an uncomfortable exchange with the owner.

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What you’ll make, and what marquage means

Marquage here means painting a design onto a leather surface. The workshop is built around a useful idea: learn a technique you can try again on things you already own, rather than simply making a one-off craft with no life beyond the class.

Your session includes one leather accessory and the materials needed to paint it. A small card pouch has been used in a past class, so it’s wise to keep your expectations modest about the size and scope of the project. The exact accessory may differ, and the information provided does not promise a particular item or design.

The technique is described as permanent on both PVC leather and genuine leather. That opens up practical possibilities beyond the workshop: wallets, bags, and sneakers are named as items you could customize yourself. The class gives you a starting point, not a guarantee that every future item will take paint in precisely the same way. Ask your instructor about the surface and care instructions before painting anything you own.

How the two-hour session is likely to unfold

The workshop is presented as a single two-hour session, not a series of classes. Its purpose is to get you to a finished result while teaching the basics of painting on leather. The monthly themes offer a fresh creative direction, though the specific themes and the dates on which they run are not stated. Some themes may repeat.

There is no detailed step-by-step schedule, so don’t count on a set amount of time for each stage. The class’s stated aim is to help you learn the technique and apply it to the included accessory. A useful tip: ask early whether you can test the paint or practise a few strokes before moving to the final piece. One participant would have liked more drills before painting on the actual accessory, a fair point when a permanent design leaves less room for hesitation.

Your guide may speak English or Chinese. Mikael has been described as friendly and patient, which matters in a hands-on class where a calm explanation can make a new technique less daunting. Teaching style can vary, though. One participant reported feeling put off by the owner’s tone when receiving feedback. If you’re unsure about a correction, ask the instructor to show you the technique rather than assume you’re expected to know it already.

The aim is not to produce a perfect piece on the first try. Think of the session as a guided introduction: you get to practise a new method, finish one accessory, and decide whether you want to try it on your own belongings later.

How much creative freedom should you expect?

You’re there to personalize an accessory, but the exact design options, tools, and level of individual help are not specified. The monthly themes are the clearest sign that the class encourages different creative directions. If you have a particular idea in mind, check with the workshop before booking rather than assuming every design will fit the session.

This is a good choice if you enjoy making something personal but don’t need a large project. It may suit friends or family who want a shared activity, too. One participant specifically enjoyed the workshop as a way to spend time with others and learn something new. The minimum age is 18, so it isn’t a children’s craft class.

If you’re experienced with painting or leather work, the beginner-friendly format may feel basic. The value for you will depend on whether the marquage technique itself is new and useful. If you’re a novice, the chance to work with guidance and leave with a finished item is likely the main draw.

The price: what the fee covers

The stated price starts at $68.90, while the package information also gives a price of US$62.65. Prices can vary, so check the amount displayed for your selected date and package before booking. At that level, the value rests on more than the accessory alone: you get a two-hour workshop, an instructor, materials, refreshments, and an item to take away.

Still, price is the main question mark. One participant felt the session was not worth about $80 per person, especially since the project was a small card pouch that appeared to be PU leather. That’s useful context if you’re comparing this with a longer class or a workshop where you make a substantial item from scratch. This session is about decorating an accessory, not constructing a leather bag or wallet.

I’d consider the price reasonable if you want guided instruction, a ready-to-paint item, and an easy creative outing near central Singapore. It’s harder to justify if you mainly want a large keepsake, extensive practice, or a full leatherworking lesson. The materials and refreshments are included, but other personal expenses are not.

The workshop is eligible for SG Culture Pass. If you plan to use that benefit, check the terms that apply to your booking before you pay.

Getting to Visual Arts Centre

The meeting point is Visual Arts Centre, Professional Art Courses & Exhibition Gallery, at 10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469. The simplest route is by train to Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. Take Exit B to ground level, turn left, and follow the posters and signs to the centre. It is described as being on level one above the MRT station, about a one-minute walk away.

That short walk makes this a handy activity to fit around time in central Singapore. Opening hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 to 22:00; Tuesday and Sunday from 11:00 to 20:00; and Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00. The centre is closed on public holidays. These are the venue’s hours, so check that your selected workshop time is confirmed.

Bring your mobile voucher for entry. Pets are prohibited, and participants must be 18 or older. The voucher is valid only for the date and time specified, so make sure those details suit your plans.

Who will enjoy this workshop most?

Book it if you want a hands-on activity, enjoy small creative projects, or are curious about customizing everyday accessories. It is especially appealing if you like the idea of learning a technique you can later try on a wallet, bag, or pair of sneakers. The beginner-friendly setup means you don’t need to arrive with art skills.

It is less suited to anyone expecting a complete leatherworking course, a large finished piece, or a guaranteed long practice session. The included accessory is one item, and the scope of the class is painting rather than making an accessory from raw materials. If you want to rehearse before working on the final piece, ask the instructor at the start.

The 4.7 rating is based on just three experiences, so treat it as an early signal rather than a firm measure. The strongest positive points are clear: people valued the instructor’s guidance and enjoyed having a relaxed activity to share. The caution is equally useful: the teaching experience can depend on how feedback is delivered.

Should you book the Marquage Leather Painting Workshop?

I’d book this if you’re happy with a modest project and want a guided, creative two-hour break near Dhoby Ghaut. The permanent-painting angle gives the class practical value beyond the session, and the included materials keep you from having to assemble supplies yourself.

Think twice if the price feels steep for one accessory, or if you want time for multiple practice rounds. Before booking, check the chosen session’s theme and ask what accessory you’ll paint. If you go, speak up early about wanting a test stroke or a little extra guidance. That small question may help you get more from the class.

FAQ

How long is the workshop?

The Marquage Leather Painting Workshop lasts two hours.

What is included in the price?

The package includes one workshop session, one leather accessory, all necessary materials, refreshments, and an English- or Chinese-speaking guide.

Do I need previous painting experience?

No. The activity is described as beginner-friendly.

What does marquage mean in this workshop?

It refers to painting designs on leather goods. The technique is described as permanent on PVC leather and genuine leather.

What can I paint during the workshop?

You receive one leather accessory to paint. A small card pouch has been used in a past session, but a particular item is not guaranteed.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Visual Arts Centre at 10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469.

How do I get to the venue by train?

Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut Station and exit through Exit B to ground level. Turn left and follow the signs to Visual Arts Centre, about a one-minute walk away.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. Participants must be 18 or older.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are prohibited.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

No. The activity has a no-cancellation, no-refund policy.